Nintendo kept the Imprisoning War Sages mysterious in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom to maintain the game's central theme and prevent story complexity, but they are given more focus in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. The Sages' faces and personalities were intentionally hidden to avoid overcomplicating the story, which is why they appeared unassuming in the game.
Octopath Traveler 0 is a substantial and visually stunning JRPG for Nintendo Switch 2 that offers a cohesive story focused on a single protagonist, strategic combat with expanded party mechanics, and townbuilding elements, making it a must-play despite some familiar elements and a lengthy campaign.
Possessors is a familiar yet enjoyable Metroidvania-style game with strong combat, engaging story, and vibrant art, though it suffers from some exploration and navigation issues. The game features a demon possession mechanic, stylish combat, and a compelling plot centered on Luca and Rhem, but offers little innovation in its genre. Despite its safe approach, it remains an entertaining action game with notable character development and visual flair.
Bob Iger, the former Disney CEO, reflected on his tenure and shared advice for his successors, emphasizing the importance of respecting Disney's legacy, continuous innovation, and storytelling excellence to maintain the company's global influence and positive impact.
The way stories are told—focusing on feelings and interpretations or sensory details—activates different brain networks, influencing how well people remember the core events later. Tailoring storytelling styles to individual or age group preferences could enhance memory retention.
The article discusses the narrative depth and character development in Ghost of Yōtei, highlighting Atsu's story of revenge and healing, the game's connection to Ghost of Tsushima, and insights from co-directors Jason Connell and Ian Ryan on storytelling choices, character relationships, and game design. It emphasizes the game's emotional moments, player agency, and the team's creative process, including easter eggs and future possibilities.
Bernard P. Hanlon, Jr., a beloved storyteller and social charm, passed away on October 5, 2025. He was known for his humor, singing, and ability to turn strangers into friends. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and siblings, and will be remembered for his joyful spirit and love of life. Funeral services are scheduled in Massachusetts, with friends and family encouraged to celebrate his life with laughter and good cheer.
Holocaust survivor Rita Zohar stars in Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut 'Eleanor the Great,' bringing her lived experience to the film about Holocaust survivors, emphasizing the importance of preserving survivor stories as the population declines.
The author initially fell in love with the visually stunning and emotionally engaging game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, appreciating its art, music, and combat system, but ultimately felt betrayed when the game crashed after a difficult boss fight and revealed an unfinished third act, leading to disappointment and a reevaluation of their relationship with the game.
Silent Hill F combines mystery and emotional depth with stunning visuals and a compelling story set in 1960s Japan, following high school student Hinako as she navigates a twisted town and her personal struggles, blending survival horror with intricate narrative and character development.
The Trails series by Nihon Falcom exemplifies how a modest, story-driven approach to game development, focusing on narrative complexity and character arcs rather than high-end visuals, can build a passionate fanbase and achieve success despite limited resources, challenging the mainstream emphasis on graphical fidelity in big-budget games.
Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki Yoshida discusses upcoming story elements, emphasizing a focus on showcasing the hero's strength through personalized cutscenes, role-specific content, and engaging puzzles, while hinting at future updates to enhance individual job expression and narrative immersion.
The article highlights 20 impactful and memorable death scenes in video games, including Aerith from Final Fantasy VII, Mordin from Mass Effect 3, Dom from Gears of War 3, BT from Titanfall 2, Joel from The Last of Us Part II, and others, emphasizing how these moments deeply resonate with players and contribute to the storytelling and emotional depth of the games.
Fan fiction is significantly influencing publishing and reading, with works inspired by popular books and media, including Pulitzer-winning adaptations, expanding the scope of storytelling and cultural influence, and gaining recognition from traditional publishers.
Mafia: The Old Country is a narrative-driven game set in 1904 Sicily that offers a compelling story about class struggle and the immigrant experience, bolstered by strong characters and authentic performances, but is hampered by outdated gameplay mechanics and a limited open world.
